How To Set A Table For Christmas Without Christmas Dishes

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What comes to mind when you think of a table set for Christmas?  Red and Green?  Lots of trees or snow?  I do that too with some of my Christmas dishes and China, but what if you don’t have these?   Decorating A Table For Christmas Without Christmas Dishes can be done. 

Plus, never think you have to have expensive dishes or stemware to set a pretty table. Many of my things have been collected over the years or come from places such as outlets and Dollar Tree – yes, Dollar Tree, and yard sales.

Have you created a Pinterest Board for Christmas yet?  Here’s a good one to start with for tables.  Don’t forget new recipes to try.

Before I move onto my table ideas, make sure you check out the links below for the Merry & Bright Blog Hop with some of my blogging friends for more ideas for Christmas.  From planning a luncheon, getting crafty, to decorating a mantel, there’s something for everyone.

You Don’t Need China

I always say having a good basic set of white dishes can be used for a fancy dinner or casual breakfast. Then your accent color possibilities are endless.  This is especially true for any of your Christmas or holiday meals.  Using:

• A basic tablecloth or placemats
• Festive napkins
• Extra ornaments in a bowl
• Candles in a grouping

These can be your traditional red and green, favorite colors like pink or teal, or adding a modern touch with black or brown.  Don’t be afraid to mix metals on your tablescape as well

 

Using China and Dinnerware You Have

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Look at the china or dishes you have and pick a color to focus on. Although I have a set (or two) of Christmas dishes, I wanted to pull out my Noritake Gallery China and think about a more formal table. This would be great for Christmas Eve or take it on into New Years.

The colors are not a true pink, green, or maroon – but more rosy pink, aqua and even a hint of yellow. See, you might have several options on what colors you choose to highlight.  Choosing a multiple of the colors will give you a chance for more than one tablescape but with the same dishes.

My choice came from linens I had on hand, colors I like, and the star ornaments which I picked up at Hobby Lobby.  I have seen these again in multiple colors, also some at Dollar Tree, even in blue.

I am not a matchy-matchy person as much as I used to be. On this table you will see several shades of pink and maroon. I think it’s more interesting to pull things together you have and mix up the colors a bit. And it makes it easier to use what you have.

Getting everything you want to use can take a little planning. I always play around with a few different layouts, linens and decor. If you get a setup you like, snap a picture for reference so you don’t forget.

Through the years, you may have a collection of linens to include tablecloths, placemats and napkins. This is something I always look for at garage sales, thrift stores and after holiday sales. Don’t think too a black placemat from Halloween can’t be used at other times. Black and white are such current colors so don’t limit yourself to a particular holiday.

That can also be the case in dinnerware and stemware. Stores have sales now before the holidays. Don’t forget to check out Dollar Tree as I said. They will usually have holiday designs out several months in advance. But they also have color and clear stemware for wine, champagne, Margaritas and water glasses. Good thing about these – if a piece gets broken, it’s easily replaced – for $1.25.

When shopping, don’t overlook the great plastic and acrylic items you can find.  I have pretty pink glasses from Hobby Lobby I use with another set of china, and could work with these for a more casual setting.  Home Goods is a great place to find these.

Craft stores are also great for finding linens and chargers. Can’t find the right color of charger, spray paint it. Just remember to not let food touch it.

 

Let’s look at what I used on my Noritake Gallery table. 

Copper charger  – they actually took on a rose/pink gold in the light
Green runners – Dollar Tree
Noritake Gallery – no longer a current pattern
Pink star ornament – Hobby Lobby
Mini salt & pepper – Walmart
Champagne glass – Ikea, but available at Dollar Tree
Gold rim wine glass – Mikasa outlet about 30 years ago (found 10 on Amazon for under $35)
Stemmed glass – local department store about 20 years ago (Dollar Tree has them too)
Silverware – QVC
Pink napkin – yard sale

Centerpiece

Gold tree – yard sale
Misc picks – various stores
Magnolia leaves – good friend’s tree

As you can see, I have collected a lot over the years and love yard sales. And, not all of it has to be expensive.

Merry & Bright Christmas Blog Hop

 

Now let’s see what my CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST TABLE AND MENU will look like.  I’m using another set of Christmas China which I’ve had for years – now discontinued. 

 

Let’s share some of your tables here and see your creativity.

What’s on your menu for Christmas and Christmas Eve?

 

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